Choosing an AK

OK but (as HP shooter) I have to ask: what kind of groups do these hold at 100 yds - from prone, offhand, or sitting/kneeling (not from a bench) ?

I'll give a range report soon, as I just installed the red-dot. My expectations are high.

2-3" at 100 is good for the AK type receiver / rifle. And try the offhand- heavier is better for offhand.

This is a bit of a tangent considering the subject of this thread, but: shoot your rifle in any service rifle match; down here at SW Gun Club we shoot US Army Precision Combat matches 2x a year and the AK would be ok for that but for service rifle matches you want an M1 or AR type - it will develop your skills immensely. If one only shoots at targets from a bench on the range under no time or rule constraints, one never betters one's self; if you compete - no matter where you are at the end of the match - you are improving your marksmanship. Ask anyone who competes in ANY of the disciplines - pistol (bullseye, air, combat, etc), shotgun, or rifle - if you go to a match to challenge yourSELF, to he%& with the rankings, just to score higher each time, you will improve. It is very rewarding and will improve you as a "rifleman".

Biggest "accuracy" problem with AK's is cheap ammo and really crude sights ........................ both are easily remedied.

Agree with you Stonewall; with ammo you pretty much get what you pay for. As for sights, if you put a decent diopter on ANY rifle you will improve your scores.

Any thoughts on the I.O. AK-47 ?

I just bought an Arsenal Sgl21-61 7.62x39mm/ black furniture, ak74 break and to me it is the end all ak. I love it.